Psalm 137
Psa 137:1-9. This Psalm records the mourning of the captive Israelites, and a prayer and prediction respecting the destruction of their enemies
1. rivers of Babylon--the name of the city used for the whole country.
remembered Zion--or, Jerusalem, as in [Psa 132:13].
2. upon the willows--which may have grown there then, if not now; as the palm, which was once common, is now rare in Palestine.
3-4. Whether the request was in curiosity or derision, the answer intimates that a compliance was incongruous with their mournful feelings ([Pr 25:20]).
5-6. For joyful songs would imply forgetfulness of their desolated homes and fallen Church. The solemn imprecations on the hand and tongue, if thus forgetful, relate to the cunning or skill in playing, and the power of singing.
7-9. Remember ... the children of Edom--(Compare [Psa 132:1]), that is, to punish.
the day of Jerusalem--its downfall ([La 4:21], ; Ob 11-13).
Psalm 138
Psa 138:1-8. David thanks God for His benefits, and anticipating a wider extension of God's glory by His means, assures himself of His continued presence and faithfulness
1. I will praise thee with my whole heart--(Compare [Psa 9:1]).
before the gods--whether angels ([Psa 8:5]); or princes ([Ex 21:6]; [Psa 82:6]); or idols ([Psa 97:7]); denotes a readiness to worship the true God alone, and a contempt of all other objects of worship.
2. (Compare [Psa 5:7]).
thy word above all thy name--that is, God's promise ([2Sa 7:12-16]), sustained by His mercy and truth, exceeded all other manifestations of Himself as subject of praise.
3-5. That promise, as an answer to his prayers in distress, revived and strengthened his faith; and, as the basis of other revelations of the Messiah, it will be the occasion of praise by all who hear and receive it ([Psa 68:29], ; [Is 4:3]).
6-7. On this general principle of God's government ([Is 2:11]; 57:15; 66:2), he relies for God's favor in saving him, and overthrowing his enemies.
knoweth afar off--their ways and deserts ([Psa 1:6]).
8. God will fulfil His promise.
Psalm 139
Psa 139:1-24. After presenting the sublime doctrines of God's omnipresence and omniscience, the Psalmist appeals to Him, avowing his innocence, his abhorrence of the wicked, and his ready submission to the closest scrutiny. Admonition to the wicked and comfort to the pious are alike implied inferences from these doctrines
Psalm 140
Psa 140:1-13. The style of this Psalm resembles those of David in the former part of the book, presenting the usual complaint, prayer, and confident hope of relief
1. evil man--Which of David's enemies is meant is not important.
2-5. This character of the wicked, and the devices planned against the pious, correspond to [Psa 10:7]; ; , &c.
6. (Compare Psa 5:1-12; 16:2).
7. day of battle--literally, "of armor," that is, when using it.
8. (Compare [Psa 37:12]; ).
lest they exalt themselves--or, they will be exalted if permitted to prosper.
9. Contrasts his head covered by God ([Psa 140:7]) with theirs, or (as "head" may be used for "persons") with them, covered with the results of their wicked deeds ([Psa 7:16]).
10. (Compare [Psa 11:6]; ).
cast into the fire; into deep pits--figures for utter destruction.
11. an evil speaker--or, "slanderer" will not be tolerated ([Psa 101:7]). The last clause may be translated: "an evil (man) He (God) shall hunt," &c.
12. (Compare [Psa 9:4]).
13. After all changes, the righteous shall have cause for praise. Such
shall dwell--shall sit securely, under God's protection ([Psa 21:6]; ).
Psalm 141
Psa 141:1-10. This Psalm evinces its authorship as the preceding, by its structure and the character of its contents. It is a prayer for deliverance from sins to which affliction tempted him, and from the enemies who caused it
Psalm 142
Psa 142:1-7. Maschil--(See on Psa 32:1, title). When he was in the cave--either of Adullam (1Sa 22:1), or En-gedi (1Sa 24:3). This does not mean that the Psalm was composed in the cave, but that the precarious mode of life, of which his refuge in caves was a striking illustration, occasioned the complaint, which constitutes the first part of the Psalm and furnishes the reason for the prayer with which it concludes, and which, as the prominent characteristic, gives its name
1. with my voice--audibly, because earnestly.
2. (Compare [Psa 62:8]).
I poured out my complaint--or, "a sad musing."
3. thou knewest ... path--The appeal is indicative of conscious innocence; knowest it to be right, and that my affliction is owing to the snares of enemies, and is not deserved (compare [Psa 42:4]; ).
4. Utter desolation is meant.